Word Origin & History

purl "knit with inverted stitches," 1825; earlier "to embroider with gold or silver thread" (1526), from M.E. pirlyng "revolving, twisting," of unknown origin. The two senses usually are taken as one word, but this is not certain.

Example Sentences for purling

The baby stopped altogether, her ear intrigued by the purling Gaelic.

It is pleasant to listen to the purling water, a sign of approaching spring.

The water from the fields is rushing in numberless, purling streams to the river.

Guy walked on, and after a while could hear once more the purling of the stream.

Moreover, the girl's voice was like to the purling of brooks.

Why should I haunt a purling stream,Or fish in miasmatic brook?

Through it ran a purling stream, its waters as clear as crystal.

At length they came to a beautiful meadow intersected with purling rills.